Best Home Security Systems Reviewed For 2015

When you’re not there, you need to know that your home and the valuables inside are safe. A home security system can let you know if when there’s activity inside of your home and can also help warn you in cases such as fire and floods.

Getting a new system installed can be quite a substantial investment to make, but it’s one that will pay for itself over the long run, and actually help save you money as well as reduce your home insurance costs.

So WHAT should you look for in a Good Home Security System?

This depends on what it is you want to protect. Your children? The pets? Your valuables? The best security systems offer you a variety of alerts and monitoring services, security devices and a great customer support center.

Alerts

In case of emergencies, you’ll be alerted immediately.

Alerts for intrusion, fire and broken glass are usually part of the basic service packages that come from a Home Security Provider.

There are also some companies that can alert you in cases of medical emergencies, temperature changes, flooding, power failures and natural gas detection.

Security Devices

Wireless systems offer you greater flexibility when it comes to device placement and they usually come as part of a kit that you can easily install on your own.

A great home alarm system should cover all the entrances and exits of your home with a variety of door and window sensors added to that.

The best alarm systems come with compatibility setting for security cameras, so that you can monitor the feed remotely from your smartphone or laptop.

You might also want to consider a panic button which is great for setting off a silent alarm in emergency situations.

Including devices such as sirens, and motion detectors can help identify a greater variety of threats, keeping you as safe as possible.

Monitoring Services

These services can alert emergency services when a threat arises. This service entails that your home security equipment is monitored by a security company remotely.

It’s best to find a 24-hour monitoring service, so you know your home will be protected at all times.

Home Automation is another thing that many security companies have on offer, and it allows you to lock doors, turn lights on-and-off as well as adjust your thermostat remotely.

Two-way intercoms (or follow-up notifications) are another part of Monitoring Services, which gives the security company a way of communicating with you, after or during an emergency situation has been detected.

Support & Help

This is something that’s essential when it comes to choosing a Home Security company for monitoring your home.

The company should have a phone number, an email address and preferably a live chat agent who should be able to assist you 24 hours of the day. You’ll also need 24 hour emergency contact, which should be non-negotiable.

Look for a provider that offers a warranty that protects your security system’s equipment from manufacturer defects. Also remember to find out if they have an installation and relocation service from if and when you decide to move.

To D.I.Y (Do It Yourself) or H.I.I (Have It Installed)?

While there are some security companies that let you install your own security devices, some prefer to install it for you.

With D.I.Y installations, your equipment will be sent to you along with an installation guide for setting it up on your own. D.I.Y equipment is usually wireless and fairly easy to install, and most often means that you own the equipment and have the right to move it, which makes it the perfect option for renters or frequent movers.

Professional installation will cost you a service fee, but it means that you don’t have to install the system yourself or worry about any technical difficulties that might arise. These systems can be either wireless or hardwired, the latter usually requiring you to have a landline for installation. The downside to professional installations is that you’ll normally need clearance for moving the equipment.

With that being said, here are our top picks and reviews for the best Home Security Companies:

ADT Monitoring

What’s the hype?

ADT has more than 6 million customers world-wide and have been in the business for over 130 years. They were the founders of the first telegraph-based alert system!

What makes them unique?

ADT uses two of the most useful technologies in the security industry; CellGuard and 2-Way-Voice.

CellGuard is a completely wireless system – meaning your security system contacts the monitoring center through a cellular uplink – no landlines and no wires.

The 2-Way-Voice allows you to speak directly to a monitoring center representative through your control panel from up to 75 feet away.

They also have ADT Pulse, which allows you to control your security system from a smartphone or any web-enabled device. This means they have taken remote monitoring the next level, enabling you to know exactly what goes on in your home, even when you’re on the other side of the country.

Why ADT?

Their customers appreciate the name recognition and trustworthiness of ADT and they also have record response times, mostly responding within two minutes of when the monitoring center was contacted. Reliability is the key to making ADT such a trusted brand.

Vivint

What’s the hype?

Vivint is on top of the game when it comes to home automation and emergency management.

All of Vivint’s equipment is completely wireless, much like ADT, and requires no wires or landlines.

What makes them unique?

The fact that their equipment gets manufactured through their sister company, 2GIG, gives them some control over the quality and functions of their equipment.

They are proud to be one of the “greenest” security companies out there. You get mobile access to your thermostat through their Smart Protect and Control. You can also add Lighting Control to your service, which allows you turn your lights on-and-off and even dim them all from your smartphone.

The one thing that makes them truly unique is the fact that they also offer solar panel installation in an effort to help you go green and save energy.

Why Vivint?

Vivint has got you covered for full control of your home. Remotely lock and unlock your doors, change the temperature, view camera footage from your smartphone, and even turn small appliances on-and-off. YOU get to be in control, no matter where you are.

Their customers rave about how the home automation, energy-efficiency and security features all seamlessly link together. For full home automation, mobile access and energy efficiency, Vivint is your go-to option.

FrontPoint

What’s the hype?

Straight forward pricing, straight forward security and some of the best customer service ratings in the industry. With FrontPoint you get personal alert monitoring, security, fire, carbon monoxide, flood and freezing monitoring, all in one deal, which is rarely seen with other providers.

What makes them unique?

FrontPoint allows you to install your own security devices, so you save on installation fees and activation charges. Your system gets shipped to you – free of charge – and shouldn’t take you much more than 30 minutes to get it set up.

They have super flexible contracts, available in 12, 24 or 36 month agreements.

Unlike other companies that “give away” their equipment (and end up charging you for it in the monthly payments), FrontPoint lets you buy and own your own equipment, so their monitoring fees are lower than most other providers.

Why FrontPoint?

Generally, FrontPoint customers report that they are super easy to work with, and the fact that their systems are so easy to set up just makes it that much more attractive. If you’re all for D.I.Y and need industry leading customer service, then FrontPoint is for you.

Bottom Line

When you’re choosing a home security system, you should always keep your house and your family’s needs in mind. An effective system will help keep you safe and give you added piece of mind that help is just a panic button away.